My Nigerian Designers Work Style Week

Hi Guys,

Putting up this post under two duvets, one pillow and honey+lemon mix in a hotel room where
I have to check out in 22 minutes. Ugh. 

My alumni (International Business class on 2011) reunion has come to an end, an exciting and nostalgic past 3 days this has been. I don’t know if this was part of the goals of our former tutors who organised the all expense paid trip but I feel like these friends I made while at Leeds are like family now. *wails* Never been good with goodbyes though you wouldn’t notice any trace of sadness looking at me. Oh well..

35 of us flown from Asia, America and Europe and well catered to at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Leeds, the reunion was geared towards finding a platform where we could all network with each other better. In between two fabulous dinners (Sunday and Monday) we all had to discuss amongst ourselves in tables of 10 on Monday on the way forward. I sincerely hope we kickstart something really serious soon. 

Okay, I think I have to put my luggage together and head to the reception at least.. Be right back guys..

Now on the train, had to say the final byes, took a couple pictures, ripped my jacket in the process, replaced and now on the train enroute London.

The #BuyNigerian campaign is one so dear to my heart so I decided to go all Nigerian this week to my office and then did a shoot.
Seeing as metrogypsie is all about versatility with work fashion, this post would be a Work & Afterwork looks of a said outfit.  
The outfits are from some young and upcoming brands which I think show promise and one much more established brand. They all have different strategies and way they run their labels (obviously) and I love them all and what they stand for.


Monday

1. WORK in AYABA

Bag: Marc B (large sold out, get the mini giselle here)
Shoes: River Island (on Asos, find the all black ones here)
This multi-way striped dress is such an elegant look for a Monday. Its length and neckline are very conservative and fitting for the whole first day of the week demeanour everyone sort of has.
The waist as well, that cut makes it appear smaller hence giving one a lovelier curve. It also has a cute cut outs by both of the collar-bones.
N12,000 – N15,000
£42.65 – £53.13


AFTERWORK (shopping in AYABA)

Red Shoes: TKMaxx Germany (Love them so much but my fat feet are about to rip the stitches at the higher end of it off, lol get patent version here)
White Messenger Bag: Zara (similar one available here)
I was torn between two bags, so I used this one to go shopping earlier and switched to the one below.


AFTERWORK (Drinks with friends in AYABA)

Bag: Forever 21 (similar one here)
Yeah, so this is a bit match match but I still love it love it.








Tuesday

2. WORK in Chechi Arinze

Bag: Lous Vuitton (get the Mirabeaux GM here)
River Island (similar one here)
White Tank Top: Primark
Yellow Jacket: Lovely Wholesale
Chechi Arinze’s finishings are the very best. Loved this skirt, beautifully cut out accentuating one’s hour glass figure from the bottom. The fabric mix is very work friendly too. Wish I got more ready to wear clothes from her but I had to travel a couple days after I got my item.
I have featured the lady behind this brand on the blog in the past, click to see a week in her work style wardrobe.
N8,000 – N10,000
£28.45 – £28.82



AFTERWORK (Mate’s birthday dinner in Chechi Arinze)

Crop Top: Topshop
Clutch: 212 Duty Free Gift
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Quite an easy transformation from the outfit I wore to the office. To be honest, these shoes are such a huge pain, you should have an alternative or sit down for most of your time out. Be careful not to get too stuffed to avoid a belly bulge.
Last pose inspired by one of my past features here.)








Wednesday

3. WORK in Knoye Kouture

Bag: Same as Tuesday’s WORK
Shoes: New Look
Top: Random Store
This top was actually made with an extremely beautiful top with an amber coloured stretch cotton fabric mixed with the fabric of the skirt at the sleeves. I wasn’t in the mood to be all match hence my choice of top. The skirt has pockets and its fullness is so glam!
I have featured the lady behind this brand on the blog in the past, click to see a week in her work style wardrobe.
N2,000 – N4,000
£7 – £14


AFTERWORK (shopping and calling in Knonye Kouture)

Orange Crop Top: Topshop
Orange Purse: Camden Town Market
Yellow Sandals: Guiseppe Zanotti
I’m so obsessed with crop tops and you can see how much I enjoyed taking pictures in this skirt.






Thursday

4. Work in Elegante by Tiannah Styling

Bag: Same as Tuesday’s WORK
Platforms: Aldo (get it here)
Don’t you just love the cut outs of this dress. It has a lovely feel on the skin and just screams spring. Might not work as a work wear in a really cooperate environment though. You can always rock it to something else that’s work related.  I really love the pattern combination.
N45,000 – N50,000
£160 – £180



AFTERWORK (Cocktail Event in Elegante by Tiannah Styling)

Vogue Covers Cut-Out Purse: Thrifted
Sandals: Lipsy

Friday

5. WORK in Knonye Kouture

Bag: Celine
Shoes: Pamars
As you might agree this outfit really works for a Friday at places where dress down is the case. You could pair the skirt with another top if you aren’t sure you can pull this off together.  The slit is so gorgeous exactly where it is. The fullness of the peplum got me.
Ordering from Knoye Kouture is also very easy as they are really flexible with your wants and needs. They also deliver to any and everywhere. They are also relatively affordable, just beautiful.
I have featured the lady behind this brand on the blog in the past, click to see a week in her work style wardrobe.
N5,000 – N8,000
£17 – £28




AFTERWORK (Dinner Date in Knoye Kouture)

Sequinned Top: Mssguided
Sandals: Topshop
Clutch: TKMaxx

Saturday

6. WORK in 1463

Lacey Skirt: Miss Selfridge (get similar colour here)
Sandals: Dorothy Perkins (had since 2010)
Beat by Dre Headphones: Gift
Bag: Same as Monday’s WORK
I got the 1463 t shirt 4 years ago at one of the LPMs in Lagos and decided to include it in this post because I really like the top. Tshirts can be worn to the office in loads of ways irrespective of the corporation’s dress code. Today is Saturday so I am actually working overtime.
Click for previous post published in YNaija for styling Tees to work.




AFTERWORK (Sight-seeing in 1463)

Messenger Bag: Sames as Monday’s 2nd Afterwork
Booties: Republic







Sunday


7. Day in Itunu Fabrics

Back: Same as Tuesday’s WORK
Sandals: Kurt Geiger (shoeaholics.com)
Pictures don’t really do the sharpness of the colours on this silk fabric enough justice. I actually loved it more when I got my outfit. They deliver worldwide and are flexible with your needs too.
I have featured the lady behind this brand on the blog in the past, click to see a week in her law school style wardrobe.
N6,000
£22 – £25




Quoted prices are all subject to fabric availability, the styles you want, exchange rates and all what not.

Yes, so that’s all for this week and probably next guys! I know we all love the international brands but always try a mix. Support Nigerian designers because it would only lead to job creation and innovation. Buy Nigerian Buy Nigerian Buy Nigerian.

Our next post would have pictures from all the plentiful events I’d be attending this weekend and next week. Also pictures from my alumni reunion like these ones;

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Email: metrogypsie@gmail.com

Do have a lovely week ahead guys..


xx













“The dress must not hang on the body but follow its lines. It must accompany its wearer and when a woman smiles the dress must smile with her.” Madeleine Vionnet.